Effects of endostatin on C6 glioma-induced edema

BACKGROUND

Glioma-induced edema is considered as one of the most pathological characteristics of glioma and a significant source of morbidity and mortality. New strategies are needed for the treatment of peritumoral edema in glioma. Endostatin has been proven to be beneficial as an anti-angiogenic agent in experimental gliomas, but the effects are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endostatin on C6 glioma-induced edema.

METHODS

Tumorigenic mice were established by subcutaneous injection of three glioma cell lines, C6-null cells and stable transfected-C6 cells overexpressing mock vector (C6-mock cells) and endostatin (C6-endo cells). Endostatin expression in xenograft C6 glioma was determined by immunostaining and Western blotting. Glioma-induced edema and tumor vessel permeability were assayed. The effect of endostatin on vascular enodothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in vivo was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of vesiculo-vascuolar organelles (VVOs) formed in tumor endothelia was calculated using electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's post hoc test for multiple comparisons to the control groups.

RESULTS

Overexpression of endostatin (C6-endo cells) significantly suppressed tumor growth and reduced tumor edema and vessel permeability. ELISA analysis showed that the level of VEGF protein was markedly decreased in tumor from C6-endo cells compared with tumor from C6-null cells and C6-mock cells. Similar results were obtained by Q-PCR. Furthermore, the number of VVOs observed in tumor from C6-endo mice was significantly reduced compared with tumor from C6-null cells or C6-mock cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide primary evidence that endostatin reduces glioma-induced edema and vascular permeability. Using endostatin may be an effective strategy for treating glioma edema.

Pilose antler polypeptides promote chondrocyte proliferation via the tyrosine kinase signaling pathway

Background

Pilose antler polypeptides (PAP) have been reported to promote chondrocyte proliferation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study was to investigate the effects of PAP on the proliferation of chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Chondrocytes isolated from the knee of Zealand white rabbits were cultured. The second generation chondrocytes were collected and identified using safranin-O staining. The chondrocytes were divided into the following 4 groups including serum-free, PAP, genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases), and PAP plus genistein group. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution of the chondrocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of cyclin A was detected using immunocytochemical staining.

Results

No significant difference was observed between serum-free and genistein group. Treatment of the cultures with PAP produced a significant dose-dependent increase in cell viability, the percentage proportion of chondrocytes in the S phase and Cyclin A expression as well. However, the promoting effect of PAP on chondrocyte proliferation were dose-dependently inhibited by genistein, whereas genistein alone had no effect on proliferation of isolated chondrocytes.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that PAP promotes chondrocyte proliferation with the increased cell number, percentage proportion of chondrocytes in S phase and expression of protein cyclin A via the TK signaling pathway.

Bias-dependent conductive characteristics of individual GeSi quantum dots studied by conductive atomic force microscopy

The bias-dependent electrical characteristics of individual self-assembled GeSi quantum dots (QDs) are investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy. The results reveal that the conductive characteristics of QDs are strongly influenced by the applied bias. At low (-0.5 to - 2.0 V) and high (-2.5 to - 4.0 V) biases, the current distributions of individual GeSi QDs exhibit ring-like and disc-like characteristics respectively. The current of the QD's central part increases more quickly than that of the other parts as the bias magnitude increases. Histograms of the magnitude of the current on a number of QDs exhibit the same single-peak feature at low biases, and double- or three-peak features at high biases, where additional peaks appear at large-current locations. On the other hand, histograms of the magnitude of the current on the wetting layers exhibit the same single-peak feature for all biases. This indicates the conductive mechanism is significantly different for QDs and wetting layers. While the small-current peak of QDs can be attributed to the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling model at low biases and the Schottky emission model at high biases respectively, the large-current peak(s) may be attributed to the discrete energy levels of QDs. The results suggest the conductive mechanisms of GeSi QDs can be regulated by the applied bias.

KISS1 expression in osteosarcoma: high in chinese clinical cases, but lower in cell lines

PURPOSE

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy with a notorious feature of high metastasis. KISS1 has been identified as a putative human metastasis suppressor gene in numerous types of cancer. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between expression of KISS1 and invasion ability in osteosarcoma cell lines, and the relationships between KISS1 expression levels and prognosis of clinical cases.

METHODS

Expression levels of KISS1 in 3 types of osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63, Saos-2 and U-2 OS) and a normal osteoblast cell line (hF-OB 1.19) were examined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunochemistry staining. Transwell assays were used to detect the cell invasion ability. The osteosarcoma cell lines and specimen sections of osteosarcoma together with control were immuno-stained with KISS1 antibody. The relationship between the clinical data and the expression of KISS1 was evaluated.

RESULTS

KISS1 mRNA expression was moderate in U-2 OS, weak in Saos-2 and lost in MG-63. Transwell assays displayed a gradually increased aggressive phenomenon in osteosarcoma cell lines U-2 OS, Saos-2 and MG-63. However, a contrary conclusion was obtained with clinical specimen, a higher positive rate of KISS1 expression being displayed in osteosarcoma patients, especially in metastastic cases, compared to the benign osteochondroma patients. Furthermore, significant earlier distant metastasis was observed in KISS1 positive than negative cases.

CONCLUSION

KISS1 expression levels were found to be decreased with the increasing aggressive ability in osteosarcoma cell lines. However, expression of KISS1 positively correlated with metastasis in osteosarcoma patients.

Tai chi improves physical function in older Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Tai chi (TC) is proposed as a potential option for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), however, its beneficial effect on patients with knee OA has not been convincing.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a 24-week TC program on physical functions in older Chinese women with knee OA.

METHODS

Thirty-five older Chinese women with knee OA were randomized into TC group (n = 18) and attention control (wellness education and stretching) group (n = 17). Subjects in the TC group practiced the 24-form simplified Yang-style TC 2 to 4 times a week for 24 weeks with frequency gradually increased. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walk distance and stair climb time.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the participants in TC group had statistically significant improvements in changes of the WOMAC total score (6.18 +/- 2.13 vs. 1.71 +/- 2.73, P = 0.000), the WOMAC pain subscale (1.36 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.07 +/- 1.00, P = 0.001), the WOMAC stiffness subscale (0.66 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.38, P = 0.043), the WOMAC function subscale (6.17 +/- 1.96 vs. 1.72 +/- 2.63, P = 0.000), the 6-minute walk distance (32.43 +/- 14.20 vs. 6.67 +/- 16.76, P = 0.003), and the stair climb time (2.27 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.27 +/- 1.24, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that TC provides a safe, feasible and useful exercise option for older Chinese female patients with knee OA.

Changes in lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood in patients with active tuberculosis. A total of 21 patients with active tuberculosis and 15 healthy volunteers were included in the study. T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocytes (CD19(+) cells), natural killer (NK) cells and cells positive for costimulatory molecules CD28 and CD152 were evaluated using flow cytometry. Patients with tuberculosis had a significantly decreased percentage of CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+) cells, and a significantly decreased ratio of CD3(+)CD4(+) to CD3(+)CD8(+) cells compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the percentage of B-cells (CD19(+) cells), CD3(+)CD8(+) cells, CD28(+) cells, CD152(+) cells, and subpopulations of CD4(+)CD152(+), CD8(+)CD152(+) and CD8(+)CD28(+) T-cells were all significantly increased compared with healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of NK cells or CD4(+)CD28(+) cells between patients and controls. These results indicate that patients with active tuberculosis have altered lymphocyte homeostasis.

[Ventricular remodeling and matrix metalloproteinase-1 and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in serum in third trimester of pregnant women with cardiac disease.]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the relationship between the left ventricular (LV) structure, function and changes of concentration of serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and evaluate the value of the change of serum MMP-1 and serum TIMP-1 in ventricular remodeling of pregnant women complicating cardiac disease.

METHODS

Fifty-eight cases of pregnant women with cardiac disease divided into three groups [group A had 17 cases who had clinical manifestations and no left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)], group B had 15 cases who had clinical manifestations and LVH but no pulmonary hypertension (PH), group C had 26 cases who had clinical manifestations, LVH and PH which divided into three groups again: 11 cases of slight group [PH from 30 - 49 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa)], 9 cases of moderate group (PH from 50 - 79 mm Hg) and 6 cases of severe group (PH >/= 80 mm Hg). Fifteen healthy pregnant women acted as control group. The left ventricular structure and function [(left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), Ejection fraction (EF), E peak (E), A peak (A) and E/A], pulmonary pressure and plasma MMP-1, TIMP-1 values were determined in the third trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

(1) LVMI (148 +/- 7) g/m(2) and LVEDd (58.9 +/- 3.5) mm in group C increased significantly (totally P < 0.01), EF (51.0 +/- 4.4)% decreased significantly (P < 0.01), E (50 +/- 10) cm/s decreased significantly (P < 0.01), A (81 +/- 13) cm/s increased (P < 0.05) and E/A (0.6 +/- 0.3) decreased significantly (P < 0.01) compared with normal subjects, group A and group B. (2) LVMI (150 +/- 7) g/m(2), LVEDd (69.7 +/- 3.4) mm in severe pulmonary hypertension group increased significantly (P < 0.01), EF (45.6 +/- 2.6)% decreased significantly (P < 0.01), E (44 +/- 9) cm/s decreased (P < 0.05), A (86 +/- 8) cm/s increased (P < 0.05) and E/A (0.52 +/- 0.17) decreased significantly(P < 0.01) compared with slight and moderate pulmonary hypertension group. (3) Plasma MMP-1 (41 +/- 10) microg/L and TIMP-1 (393 +/- 37) microg/L values in group C increased significantly compared with normal subjects, group A and group B (P < 0.01).(4) Plasma MMP-1 (42 +/- 7) microg/L and TIMP-1 (411 +/- 31) microg/L values of severe pulmonary hypertension group increased significantly compared with slight pulmonary hypertension group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (5) The correlation analysis indicated that: There was positive correlation between the serum concentration of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 (r = 0.587, P < 0.01). The serum concentration of MMP-1 was positively correlated with LVMI and LVEDd significantly (r = 0.782, P < 0.001; r = 0.648, P < 0.01) and was negatively correlated with EF significantly (r = -0.587, P < 0.01). (6) Plasma MMP-1 values > 50 microg/L and plasma TIMP-1 values > 450 microg/L in 3 cardiac disease failure cases.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The ventricular remodeling can be found in the third trimester of pregnancy of women complicating cardiac disease, and the more serious the left ventricular hypertrophy and PH, the more obvious the ventricular remodeling. (2) The changes in the plasma MMP-1/TIMP-1 values and MMP-1/TIMP-1 balance may play an important role in the left ventricular structural, functional, and clinical manifestations of pregnant women complicating cardiac disease. (3) An increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 level maybe can predict the presence of cardiac disease failure.

Coagulation and fibrinolysis related cytokine imbalance in preeclampsia: the role of placental trophoblasts

OBJECTIVE

Cytokine imbalance might have a pivotal role in hypercoagulability seen in preeclampsia. Our objective was to determine the relationship of blood coagulation related factors in placental tissue and peripheral blood in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies.

METHODS

We compared mRNA and protein levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue factor (TF) in the placenta of normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. Placental and peripheral blood t-PA and PAI-1 levels were examined. Trophoblasts were used to study the effects of hypoxia, hypoxia-reperfusion, and inflammatory cytokines on t-PA, PAI-1, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), and TF.

RESULTS

PAI-1 and TF mRNA and protein levels were higher in placental tissue of preeclamptic pregnancies and in the peripheral blood of patients with preeclampsia. mRNA and protein secretion of TF, TFPI, PAI-1, but not t-PA, was increased in trophoblast cell culture under hypoxia and hypoxia-reoxygenation. Cell cultures with high levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) exhibited increased expression and secretion of TF and PAI-1, decreased TFPI, and no significant change of t-PA.

CONCLUSIONS

Imbalanced synthesis of t-PA, PAI-1, TFPI, and TF in trophoblasts may contribute to hypercoagulability in patients with preeclampsia.

[Review of 105 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation and the prospect]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 105 cases of liver transplantation in our hospital was carried out.

RESULTS

All the 105 OLT operations were performed successfully and the operation time ranged from 210-350 min (mean 250 min), with anhepatic phase ranging from 35-65 min (mean 53.5 min) and blood transfusion during operation ranging from 0-6600 ml (mean 400 ml). Ninety-five patients recovered smoothly while the rest 10 died, with the success rate of OLT of 90.5%. Postoperative complications included biliary tract complication (12 cases, 11.4%) and abdominal bleeding (6 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing hemorrhage during operation is the most important factor to ensure successful OLT. Thorough hemostasis during operation and sufficient blood supply to the bile duct can significantly reduce postoperative bile duct complications.

Biliary tract injury caused by different relative warm ischemia time in liver transplantation in rats

BACKGROUND

There is a controversy over the degree of liver and biliary injury caused by the period of secondary warm ischemia. A liver autotransplantation model was adopted because it excludes the effects of infection and immunological rejection on bile duct injury. This study was undertaken to assess biliary tract injury caused by relative warm ischemia (secondary warm ischemia time in the biliary tract) and reperfusion.

METHODS

One hundred and two rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I (control); groups II to V, relative warm ischemia times of 0 minute, 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours. In addition to the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin, pathomorphology assessment and TUNEL assay were performed to evaluate biliary tract damage.

RESULTS

Under the conditions that there were no significant differences in warm ischemia time, cold perfusion time and anhepatic phase, group comparisons showed statistically significant differences. The least injury occurred in group II (portal vein and hepatic artery reperfused simultaneously) but the most severe injury occurred in group V (biliary tract relative warm ischemia time 2 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative warm ischemia is one of the factors that result in bile duct injury, and the relationship between relative warm ischemia time the bile injury degree is time-dependent. Simultaneous arterial and portal reperfusion is the best choice to avoid the bile duct injury caused by relative warm ischemia.

Composition and strain measurements of Ge(Si)/Si(001) islands by HRTEM

The distributions of the composition and the strain in the Ge(Si)/Si(001) coherent islands grown by molecular-beam epitaxy are investigated by digital analysis of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs. Local composition and strain are obtained from the measurement of the lattice displacement based on the Poisson's formula and Vegard's law. The analysis suggests that the islands have high Ge content at the island's central region. The island is partially relaxed by the substrate deformation and strain concentrated around the edge of islands. The alloying of the islands was found due to the Si surface diffusion.

Comparative disposition of [14C]ertapenem, a novel carbapenem antibiotic, in rat, monkey and man

1. The disposition and metabolism of ertapenem, a carbapenem antibiotic, was examined in rat, monkey and man. Sprague-Dawley rats and Rhesus monkeys were given, by intravenous administration, radiolabelled doses of ertapenem (60 and 30 mg kg(-1), respectively), and healthy normal volunteers received a single fixed dose of 1000 mg. Urine and faeces were collected for determination of total radioactivity. 2. In healthy volunteers, [14C]ertapenem was eliminated by a combination of hydrolytic metabolism to a beta-lactam ring-opened derivative and renal excretion of unchanged drug. Approximately equal amounts were excreted as a beta-lactam ring-opened metabolite and unchanged drug (36.7 and 37.5% of dose, respectively). A secondary amide hydrolysis product accounted for about 1% of the dose in man. About 10% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in faeces, which suggested that a minor fraction underwent biliary and/or intestinal excretion. 3. In animals, a greater fraction of the dose was eliminated via metabolism; excretion of unchanged drug accounted for 17 and 5% of dose in rats and monkeys, respectively. In monkeys, the beta-lactam ring-opened and amide hydrolysis metabolites accounted for 74.8 and 7.59% of the dose, respectively, whereas in rats, these metabolites accounted for 31.9 and 20% of dose, respectively. 4. In vitro studies with fresh rat tissue homogenates indicated that lung and kidney were the primary organs involved in mediating formation of the beta-lactam ring-opened metabolite. The specific inhibitor of dehydropeptidase-I, cilastatin, inhibited the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of ertapenem in rats, which suggested strongly that the hydrolysis of ertapenem in lung and kidney was mediated by this enzyme.

Renal elimination of a novel and potent αvβ3integrin antagonist in animals

Compound A (3-{2-oxo-3-[3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,8]napthyridin-2-yl)propyl]-imidazolidin-1-yl}-3(S)-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)propionic acid), a hydrophilic zwitter-ion, is a potent and selective alphavbeta3 integrin antagonist currently under clinical development for the treatment of osteoporosis. The mechanism of renal excretion of compound A was investigated using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches. In rats, renal excretion of compound A involved tubular secretion; ratios between renal clearance, corrected for unbound fraction in plasma (CLr,u) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were greater than unity (2-5). The tubular secretion of compound A was saturable at high plasma levels (> 26 microM), and was inhibited significantly, although modestly (about twofold) by relatively high plasma concentrations of the organic anion PAH (160 microM) and the cation cimetidine (about 400 microM), but not by the P-gp inhibitor quinidine (about 50 microM). However, compound A (about 100 microM) had a minimal effect on CLr/GFRs for cimetidine and PAH. In rhesus monkeys, renal elimination of compound A also involved tubular secretion, with a CLr,u/GFR ratio of about 30. The renal secretion of compound A was not affected by either cimetidine (about 120 microM) or PAH (about 80 microM). Similarly, compound A (about 40 microM) had a minimal effect on the renal tubular secretion of both cimetidine and PAH. At the doses studied, neither rat nor monkey plasma protein binding of compound A, cimetidine or PAH was affected in the presence of each other. In vitro transport studies showed that compound A was not a substrate for P-gp in the Caco-2, human MDR1 and mouse mdr1a transfected LLC-PK1 cell lines. In an uptake study using rOAT1 and rOAT3 transfected HEK cell lines, compound A was shown to be a substrate for rat OAT3 (Km= 15 microM), but not rat OAT1. The results suggest that the tubular secretion of compound A is not mediated by P-gp, but rather is mediated, at least in part, via the organic anion transporter OAT3, the renal transporter shown to be capable of transporting both the organic anion PAH and the organic cation cimetidine. Although there is a possibility for pharmacokinetic interactions between compound A and substrates or inhibitors of OAT3, at the renal excretion level, the magnitude of interaction would likely be modest in humans at clinically relevant doses.

Effects of fibrates on human organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1-, multidrug resistance protein 2- and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport

The effects of different fibric acid derivatives (bezafibrate, clofibrate, clofibric acid, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid and gemfibrozil) on human organic anion transporting-polypeptide 1B1 (OATP2, OATP-C, SLC21A6), multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) and MDR1-type P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) were examined in vitro. Cyclosporin A (a known inhibitor of OATP1B1 and P-gp), MK-571 (a known inhibitor of MRP2) and cimetidine (an organic cation) were also tested. Bezafibrate, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid and gemfibrozil showed concentration-dependent inhibition of estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide uptake by OATP1B1-stably transfected HEK cells, whereas clofibrate and clofibric acid did not show any significant effects up to 100 microM. Inhibition kinetics of gemfibrozil, which exhibited the most significant inhibition on OATP1B1, was shown to be competitive with a Ki = 12.5 microM. None of the fibrates showed any significant inhibition of MRP2-mediated transport, which was evaluated by measuring the uptake of ethacrynic acid glutathione into MRP2-expressing Sf9 membrane vesicles. Only fenofibrate showed moderate P-gp inhibition as assessed by measuring cellular accumulation of vinblastine in a P-gp overexpressing cell-line. Cyclosporin A significantly inhibited OATP1B1 and P-gp, whereas only moderate inhibition was observed on MRP2. The rank order of inhibitory potency of MK-571 was determined as OATP1B1 (IC50: 0.3 microM) > MRP2 (4 microM) > P-gp (25 microM). Cimetidine did not show any effects on these transporters. In conclusion, neither MRP2- nor P-gp-mediated transport is inhibited significantly by the fibrates tested. Considering the plasma protein binding and IC50 values for OATP1B1, only gemfibrozil appeared to have a potential to cause drug-drug interactions by inhibiting OATP1B1 at clinically relevant concentrations.

Stereoselective hepatic disposition of a diastereomeric pair of αvβ3antagonists in rat

1. The study investigated mechanisms underlying the stereoselective hepatic disposition observed in rats of a zwitterionic diastereomeric pair ((3S)-3-[(3R or 3S)-2-oxo-3-[3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)propyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-quinolin-3-ylpropanoic acid) with different lipophilicities. 2. In a recirculating isolated rat liver system, the more hydrophilic diastereomer II possessed biliary clearance, CLb, and bile-to-liver concentration ratio higher (about 10-30-fold) than the lipophilic zwitterion I, whereas both I and II exhibited comparably high concentration ratios between liver and perfusate. Although MK-571, a known multidrug resistance protein (MRP) inhibitor, significantly inhibited the CLb of both compounds, it did not inhibit their canalicular transport, as evident by unchanged concentration ratios between bile and liver of either I or II. 3. Following an intravenous infusion of I or II to Sprague-Dawley rats, the biliary clearance calculated either based on plasma (CL(b,p)) or liver concentration (CL(b,l)), of II was much higher than that of I (about 5-50-fold). In rats lacking multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) (Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat, EHBR), the biliary excretion rate and CL(b,p) of II were also higher than the corresponding values for I. However, both CL(b,p) or CL(b,l) of either I or II were not reduced in EHBR, as compared with control SD rats. 4. In the in vitro rat canalicular membrane vesicle study, I and II exhibited no differences in their inhibitory effect on the Mrp2 mediated ATP-dependent [3H]DNP-SG initial uptake (no inhibition at 10 microM and only about 40% inhibition at 100 microM). 5. Collectively, these results suggested that (1) the difference in the hepatic disposition between the two isomers was due primarily to the difference in their transport mechanism across the canalicular membrane and (2) Mrp2 did not play a major role in the observed differences in the biliary excretion of the diastereomers I and II in rats.

Diagnostic value and complications of fine needle aspiration for primary liver cancer and its influence on the treatment outcome-a study based on 3011 patients in China

AIM

To determine the diagnostic value and major complications of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for primary liver cancer (PLC) and its influence on the treatment outcome and prognosis.

METHODS

Information was gathered retrospectively for 3011 patients who presented with suspected PLC. Of which 2528 cases underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) biopsy. Patients were followed up through repeated office visits and imaging studies with a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 1-29 months).

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of cytological diagnosis by FNA biopsy for detection of liver malignancy were 91.5%, 100.0%, 100.00%, 59.1% and 92.4% respectively. All patients with AFP> or = 400 microg/L were associated with malignancy. Of 1154 patients with AFP<400 microg/L who were finally proved PLC, 945 were detected by FNA alone. Major complications included bleeding in 11 cases (5 of them died later), occurred mainly in hepatocellular carcinoma with superficial location, large tumors and severe cirrhosis, and implantation metastases in 5 cases, which were recognized as a subcutaneous nodule at the previous biopsy site. Implantation metastases were treated with resection or radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

FNA biopsy is valuable for the diagnosis of PLC. However, complications of post-biopsy hemorrhage should not be ignored, as such bleeding may be fatal. Implantation seems to have little effect on the prognosis.

[Pregnancy outcome in women with rheumatic heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pregnancy outcome of women with rheumatic heart disease.

METHODS

Clinical data of 65 cases of pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease from Jan 1993 to July 2006 were analyzed. They were divided into four groups according to the degree of mitral stenosis: normal group (> 4.0 cm(2)), slight group (2.5 - 4.0 cm(2)), moderate group (1.5 - 2.5 cm(2)) and severe group (< 1.5 cm(2)); four groups according to the degree of pulmonary hypertension: normal group, slight group (pulmonary hypertension ranging from 31 to 49 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) moderate group (from 50 to 79 mm Hg) and severe group (equal to and more than 80 mm Hg); two groups according to heart operation: non-operated group and operated group; and four groups according to the degree of New York heart association (NYHA) class. The perinatal mortality and morbidity of mothers and fetus were analysed.

RESULTS

(1) The rate of NYHA class IV was 80% (12/15 cases) in moderate-severe group of mitral stenosis and the rate of NYHA class I and II was 80% (16/20 cases) in normal group, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). (2) The rate of NYHA class I and II was 73% (24/33 cases) in group of normal pulmonary pressure and the rate of NYHA class IV was 6/7 in severe group of pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05). (3) The rate of NYHA class I and II was 71% (10/14), and NYHA class III or IV was 14% (2/14) in heart operated women (P < 0.05). (4) The delivery week was 34.6 and the birth weight was 2176 g averagely in NYHA class IV group and had significant differences from NYHA class I group (P < 0.05). There were 9 cases of abortion medically (18.9%, 9/65), 18 of preterm labor medically (28%, 18/65), 4 of fetal growth restriction (FGR) (6%, 4/65) and 3 of perinatal mortality (5%, 3/65), which all happened in groups of NYHA class III and IV. (5) The rate of NYHA class III and IV was 6/7 in atrial fibrillation women.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease of moderate-severe mitral stenosis, severe pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation are at high risk of heart failure. The fetal outcome is not good in cases of NYHA class III and IV.

Association of serum protein levels with egg productivity in Taiwan red-feathered country chickens

This study investigated the relationship between serum protein levels and egg productivity in Taiwan red-feathered country chickens (TRFCC). The total egg numbers of TRFCC (n=157) were recorded from 25 to 48 weeks of age. Serum samples were collected at 24 and 35 weeks of age, then classified by total egg number into four groups according to mean+/-1S.D. Serum X protein levels were evaluated by protein chip technology and with an insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) immunoassay. Other serum proteins (apolipoprotein A-I, ovotransferrin and vitellogenin) were found at different levels between the most productive and the least productive groups of TRFCC, were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and were quantified by age. The results showed that levels of vitellogenin were positively correlated with total egg number at 24 and at 35 weeks old (p<0.01). Levels of apolipoprotein A-I and an IGF-1-related marker (termed X protein) in serum at 35 weeks old were correlated with total egg number (p<0.01). Serum ovotransferrin levels remained constant regardless of total egg number. To investigate the concentration differences among the four groups of TRFCC, serum protein levels of each group were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The results showed that those protein levels, except for ovotransferrin, in the least productive group significantly differed from the other three groups (p<0.05). Although the correlation between those protein levels and the total egg number was not significant at the time of initial egg production, the selection strategy of those protein levels at later stages of egg production should provide a screening model to improve selection.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis in Taiwan: Diagnosis and isolation of swine pneumonia pathogen

This study attempted to determine whether one multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an effective adjunct method for diagnosing Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection, and whether M. hyorhinis should be considered as an enzootic pneumonia or porcine respiratory disease complex pathogen in Taiwan. To our knowledge, this study is the first to isolate and identify M. hyorhinis as a porcine pathogen in Taiwan. A novel isolation method and a multiplex PCR test were applied to detect and isolate M. hyorhinis. The correlation of M. hyorhinis with swine pneumonia was also examined using a challenge test. Based on weight, 18 pigs were assigned to three groups and housed throughout the study in a specific-pathogen-free (SPF) facility and provided with aseptic feed and water. Groups 1 (n=6) and 2 (n=6) were challenged with 5mL M. hyorhinis culture via tracheal intubation on day 1. The M. hyorhinis strains ATIT-1, -3, and-7 were used to infect group 1 and the strain ATCC 27717 was used for group 2. Culture medium was replaced by phosphate-buffered saline in group 3 (n=6). All pigs were slaughtered on day 28, and their lungs were removed for examination of lesions. Of the six pigs in group 1 challenged with wild-type strains, two had typical mycoplasma pneumonia lesions. No gross lung lesions were observed in groups 2 and 3. Although further examination is necessary to confirm that wild-type strains can cause pneumonia, it appears that M. hyopneumoniae is no longer the only mycoplasma pathogen implicated in the diagnosis of swine enzootic pneumonia (SEP).

Industrial wideband noise reduction for hearing aids using a headset with adaptive-feedback active noise cancellation

High-intensity noises are a health hazard for industrial workers, and hearing protection is necessary to prevent hearing loss. Passive methods, such as ear muffs, are ineffective against low-frequency noise. Moreover, many hearing-impaired workers must wear hearing aids to enable communication at their workplace, and such aids can amplify ambient noise. To overcome this problem, the present study developed a headset equipped with a digital signal processing system to implement adaptive-feedback active noise cancellation (AFANC) to reduce low-frequency noise. The proposed AFANC headset was effective against wideband industrial noise, with a maximum noise spectrum power reduction of 30 dB. Furthermore, when used with a hearing aid, it improved the speech signal-to-noise ratio by up to 14 dB. These results suggest that a headset with AFANC would be useful for hearing protection in workplaces with high levels of low-frequency industrial noise, especially for hearing-impaired workers.

Sustainable veterinary medicine for the new era

Sustainability aims to harmonise life on Earth without compromising the essential natural resources that should be the birthright of future generations. 'Sustainable medicine' (SM) is just one component of the wide range of possible sustainable approaches to peaceful co-existence. Sustainable medicine envisions an uncomplicated system of maintaining the health of people and animals, both now and for many years to come. This type of medicine is based on ancient wisdom, knowledge and healing arts, combined with the advantages and technical achievements of modern science and other areas of medicine; it is an integrated approach to preventive, safe and affordable healing. The term sustainable medicine also implies that the main therapeutic materials used in the course of practising this type of medicine can be replaced or replenished with minimal environmental damage after harvesting. The aim of sustainable medicine is to maintain the balance of nature, allowing an estimated 7 to 100 million species of life forms to co-exist and reproduce, and to sustain the long-term future of this planet. The world is in the midst of an environmental crisis: anthropogenic environmental damage in the last century was greater than in any previous century. One of the major concerns is the misuse of medicines, and the resulting immune depletion in people and animals. Many traditional medical systems have taught that appropriate adaptation by, and of, an effective defence system is the key to health and survival. This is only possible if priority is given to a preventive rather than a curative approach to health care; the very same approach that is advocated by proponents of SM: an approach based on proper diagnosis and the use of personalised, tailor-made medicine. The authors propose SM (the combination of the advantages of modern, traditional and complementary medical systems) as the best approach to providing better health care services for people and animals. The article presents a brief history of traditional medicines and outlines strategies for developing SM. The authors highlight some important factors in the development of SM in animal health care and attempt to encourage veterinarians to adopt a sustainable approach to treating animals.